Role of left ventricular untwisting in diastolic dysfunction after long duration exercise

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Exercise Physiology
• Cardiac Mechanics

Background:

• Long-duration exercise is known to cause temporary left ventricular (LV) dysfunction.
• Understanding cardiac mechanics after prolonged exertion is crucial for athlete health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate cardiac mechanics, particularly LV twist, following 2 hours of cycling using 2D-strain echocardiography.
• To assess the impact of prolonged exercise on LV diastolic function and relaxation.

Main Methods:

• Twenty healthy males underwent pre- and post-exercise echocardiography, including 2D-strain analysis.
• Measurements focused on LV longitudinal, radial, and circumferential strains, rotations, and twist.
• Velocity vector imaging was utilized for detailed cardiac mechanics assessment.

Main Results:

• Post-exercise, depressed diastolic function was observed (p < 0.01).
• A significant delay in peak LV untwisting velocity occurred (p < 0.05).
• LV global systolic function and relaxation indices remained unchanged.

Conclusions:

• Prolonged exercise leads to impaired diastolic function associated with delayed LV untwisting.
• The study provides new insights into cardiac dysfunction after endurance exercise.
• The effects on LV relaxation and contractility post-exercise warrant further investigation.